a telling observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to highlight a significant or revealing comment or insight about a particular subject. Example: "Her analysis of the situation included a telling observation about the underlying motivations of the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was a telling observation.

The New York Times

This is a telling observation, capturing the shift in focus from the representational image to the idea.

The New York Times

This is a telling observation, coming from the man who has known all the personalities of his time.

The New York Times - Books

The same interview also featured a telling observation by Christina Romer on the potential of tax cuts to successfully stimulate the US economy.

The Guardian

Minichiello made a telling observation when he said he and Ennis would talk to "the psychologists" to pick apart the two days and analyse where she lost.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Sondheim, who comes across in both books as remarkably clear-eyed in assessing himself, makes a telling observation about the evolution of his writing under the influence of Mr. Lapine.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A most telling observation by a GCHQ official was made after Margaret Thatcher's decision, supported discreetly by the US, to impose a ban on trade union membership at Britain's biggest intelligence-gathering agency.

The Guardian

For lack of anything better to write, I thought I'd pass along a banal but telling observation I recently made about, of all things, Gatorade.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What we have is reflection, humour and telling observation: a memorable epic.

The Guardian - Books

"McNamer is a careful writer, a master of the small, telling observation," Susan Bolotin wrote here last year.

The New York Times - Books

One especially telling observation, shared by a domestic violence advocate from Kentucky, underscored the importance of financial education in today's credit-dependent economy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling observation" to introduce a point that significantly clarifies or reveals something important about a topic. For example, "A telling observation about the company's financial strategy was its focus on long-term growth over immediate profits."

Common error

Avoid using "a telling observation" when you simply mean a descriptive one. The phrase implies revelation or significance, not just a description. For example, instead of "a telling observation of the landscape", use "a detailed description of the landscape" if you're not implying a deeper meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling observation" functions as a noun phrase, where "telling" acts as an adjective modifying "observation". It highlights the significant or revealing nature of the observation, emphasizing its importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling observation" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the significance or revealing nature of an observation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and suitability for highlighting insightful comments. While versatile, it's more frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. Remember to use it when you want to draw attention to a key insight, ensuring it genuinely reveals something important. Consider alternatives like "an insightful remark" or "a revealing insight" for variety. This phrase is best used when the observation provides a deeper understanding beyond mere description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insightful remark

Replaces 'telling observation' with a more direct synonym for an insightful comment.

a revealing insight

Focuses on the revealing nature of the observation.

a significant comment

Emphasizes the importance of the comment made.

a noteworthy point

Highlights that the observation is worth paying attention to.

a pertinent remark

Indicates that the observation is relevant and to the point.

a crucial insight

Suggests that the observation is essential for understanding.

a striking observation

Highlights the impressive or noticeable nature of the observation.

an important consideration

Shifts the focus to the importance of considering the observation.

a key takeaway

Indicates that the observation is a primary point to remember.

a profound remark

Emphasizes the depth and insightfulness of the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "a telling observation" in a sentence?

Use "a telling observation" to introduce a remark or insight that reveals something significant about a situation. For example, "A telling observation in the report highlighted the need for better communication."

What are some alternatives to "a telling observation"?

You can use alternatives like "an insightful remark", "a revealing insight", or "a significant comment" depending on the context.

What makes an observation "telling"?

An observation is "telling" when it reveals something important or insightful that wasn't immediately obvious. It goes beyond mere description to offer a deeper understanding.

Is it appropriate to use "a telling observation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a telling observation" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when analyzing data, presenting arguments, or discussing complex issues. Its use can add weight and clarity to your analysis.